Consumer Guide Album

Ciara Grace: Write It Down [self-released, 2024]
Her father a record producer, her mother a singer-songwriter herself, this 21-year-old debuts with 11 songs inspired by the not so distant romantic and sexual byways of high school. These the title song reports she "weaponized" "pen to paper" so that even if she forgave she would never forget. And she doesn't. Their surface polished, their details sharp, their sound dreamy, they'll convince you that she was too smart for these guys even when they were basically OK, as a few were. "When I was 16 a boy tried to tell me how I felt," the title song begins. And then goes on to make sure we get the picture: "I might forgive but sure don't forget." Not all the lyrics are that sharp; in fact, some you might forget yourself. Nor is there anything forceful in their presentation. But there's plenty of clarity. So here's hoping the right young dweeb gives her the attention and respect she manifestly deserves. B+